Another Sound Mixer on RAMPS yesterday posted regarding how much lighter a Wendt X5 5 channel Mixer and 5 411a wireless are than a Sound Devices 442 and 4 411a. This is true however I think the Sound Devices mixer sounds alot better. For me I carry around a 442, 4 wireless, zaxcom hop and IFB all day with a weight of 22lbs and have zero back pain. Sometimes I am alittle stiff in the morning for a few mins but zero pain. I do this by using the smallest bag possible which in this case is a PEGZ-1F. Which everything is crammed into but by keeping the bag small and close to your body I believe this keeps back strain down. I also have a PEGZ-2 which I can add a hard disk recorder to if needed, which is rare for me. Using a sound harness that is extremely tight to your body also helps cut down on back strain. The only days I am really hurting are the days after having to do alot of boom operating while wearing the bag it is rough very rough sometimes on my shoulder but as they say” No Pain No gain” If this kind of work was easy everyone would do it. Also I only using this package on jobs that require it. Most of the year I use a 302 Mixer 2 or 3 wireless and a boom pole. I would gladly take a hit on equipment rental and save my back any day of the week.
The Boompole is always your best friend
It amazing me how much I have to fight to use the boompole sometimes. As an example on my current show we do alot of formal well lit sit down interviews in addition to on the fly interviews. This sitdown interviews are often very emotional and have caused the talent to starting moving alot while sitting and crying which has made the lav less than ideal in sound. By having the boompole set up for each of these sit downs I was able to deliver great sound without having to stop the interview because of an audio issue. Even though sometimes I am tired and don’t want to go get the C-stand and the mic mate but that is what I am hired to do get good audio and fight the good fight to get it. A shotgun microphone always sounds better than a lav and even though the lav may get ok sound it is my job as the sound mixer to get the BEST sound possible at all times and to never take the easy way out. I also get satisfaction from getting amazing clean high quality audio for at few hours everyday when I can and I know an editor somewhere will be greatful.
Reality Show Sound nothing else like it
I wish went I was in film school starting in 2001 someone would have just sat me down for 1 hour and told me all the things it took me 4 years to figure out on my own. I guest lecture at the local film school in Savannah (SCAD) a few times a year and will reality tv here to stay they are still not telling students what they really need to know. It bothers me that a school that charges close to $80,000 for a 4 year degree only teaches students how to work on feature films and high budget productions which we all know is not where they will start working. The program should focus on things like how to lav 5 people in 5 minutes while a producer is yelling at you or how to make sure you get paid correctly. Sometimes it makes me want to teach so I can do this but then I realize I would get frustrated dealing with green sound and film kids everyday.
Been Busy shooting
Sorry for the lack of posting I have been working on a new Reality show as the Head Sound Mixer We are 2 episodes into a full season of episodes. It is also nice that the whole show takes place in Savannah Ga so I can sleep in my own bed every night, which is great. The package that I have been using has also been working great as well. It consists of the following:
Sound Devices 442 4 Channel Mixer
(3) Lectrosonics 211 Wireless with 250 1/4 watt tx
(3) Countryman EMW Lav’s
Zaxcom Eng Wireless camera hop
Senneheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone
Comtek IFB tx and 3 Receivers
Petrol PEZ-1 Bag
Overall the size and weight of this package has kept me fast and compact allowing me to get great audio. I will post more about the show and my approach later.
Gas prices and working
Well Gas is here in Ga has reached $4.00 a gallon for regular. In 2001 when I moved to Ga gas was $1.00 a Gallon. I use to not charge mileage for anything under 60 miles of driving per day then about 2.5 years ago I started charging for any mileage over 40 miles. Now I have no choice but to charge for almost all mileage. It now costs me $52.00 dollars to fill my car up with regular. It used to me $13.00. I use to go down to South FL for a 2 days job to see my family at least once a month but now no more unless I am getting paid mileage. I just hope it doesn’t get much worse.
Pro Location Sound LLC 